2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Curtis Brown, Texas
By Editorial Staff
6-0 180lbs Senior
Stats:
2007- 13 tackles, 1 pass broken up
2008- 25 tackles, 5 passes broken up
2009- 47 tackles, 7 passes broken up, 1 blocked punt, 1 INT, 1 FF, 1 TD
Pros:
A Pro Football Weekly’s Honorable Mention, Curtis Brown has the athleticism and the experience to make Longhorn fans almost forget about Earl Thomas’ early departure. Tied with the team lead in tackles on special teams, Brown possesses the physicality and toughness to attack opposing ball carriers. He does an excellent job of wrapping up and finishing the tackle. Brown has great overall speed, 4.4, 40 yard dash, and size to battle with bigger receivers. He is agile and has quick hips and has an uncanny ability to turn and run with the receivers. He has similar size as Antonio Cromartie but has a better skill set. Brown is a legitimate shutdown corner who doesn’t have to rely on safety help.
Cons:
Despite Brown’s overall speed and hands (an All-American WR in high school), he lacks the playmaking ability to be a ballhawking corner. Brown has appeared in 40 games, starting 18 of the last 20 but has only notched 1 interception. Some teams could see him as slightly undersized for how aggressively he attacks the runner and he will need to add a little bulk to improve his durability but not sacrifice any of his speed. Although most people will remember Brown as the victim of Michael Crabtree’s game winning broken tackle, Curtis did not let that affect his 2009 campaign.
Thoughts:
Curtis Brown is easily a top 5 CB and has the tools to be a shutdown corner. His lone interception could just be a factor of having Earl Thomas on the same field. The absence of Thomas should mean more chances for Brown to grab some interceptions and solidify his spot in the NFL draft. If Brown can show he has the vision and the ability to make the big play, he has the chance to be one of the better former Longhorn cornerbacks in the NFL. But for now, Curtis Brown has played well enough so far to be the #27 pick in our 2011 NFL Draft Big Board.
Projected Round:
Curtis can make sure he gets drafted in the 1st round by getting his hands on a few passes. If not, Brown will be an early 2nd rounder.